Universal medical gas delivery system

ABSTRACT

A first source of medical gas has a generally cylindrical male outlet with a cylindrical bore and a threaded outer cylindrical surface. A flexible cylindrical elastomeric medical gas tubing has an input end with a bushing making a flush abutment with the male outlet at the output orifice. An output end attaches to any of a plurality of medical gas utilizing devices, but preferably with a dampening disperser held in position in the space in the vicinity of a patient&#39;s nose and mouth. An annular flange of the input end bushing resides within a central cylindrical bored out region extending through the first end and nearly to the second end of a rotatable connector forming an interior surface of a connector with threads coupling with the threads of the male outlet. The second end is an annular abutment against the annular flange holding the input end tubing bushing against the outlet source and providing an airtight coupling. A gripping means is on the exterior surface of the connector.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/806,032 filed Aug. 4, 2010, the subject matterof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oxygen is perhaps the most common form of medical gas used by hospitals,clinics, doctor offices, nursing homes, and in homecare. Other types ofmedical gas include compressed air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrousoxide, nitrogen, helium, and cyclopropane. U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,593 islimited to sources of oxygen gas and oxygen tubing; whereas, the presentinvention provides a universal medical gas delivery system to be usedwith all types of medical gas. Furthermore, the present invention alsoincludes numerous other uses and improvements.

Over the years, numerous injuries and deaths have been reported as theresult of medical gas mix-ups, which occur when a patient's tubing isconnected to the wrong medical gas source and the patient consequentlyreceived the wrong type of medical gas. For instance, a patient's oxygensupply tubing may be mistakenly connected to a nitrogen source outlet.Color-coded fittings on both the medical gas tubing and the medical gassource (flow meter) outlet can avoid such errors. Sources and vessels ofmedical gas may be color-coded as follows: air, yellow; oxygen, green;carbon dioxide, gray; nitrous oxide, blue; nitrogen, black; helium,brown; and cyclopropane, orange. One purpose of this invention is toinclude color-coded tubing and fittings, such as the rotating nut,corresponding to the type of medical gas prescribed.

However, some caregivers and patients may be color blind. It is anotheraim of this invention to provide tubing and/or fittings that are labeledfor the type of medical gas prescribed. Additionally, the labeling mayinclude raised lettering, indicia, and/or Braille for people withblindness or visual impairment. The tubing and/or connector may also bemade from glow-in-the-dark or translucent materials to improvevisualization in dark-lit rooms. The tubing may also be illuminated by alight source, such as LEDs, and light may also be transmitted by fiberoptic threads incorporated into the tubing, to aid visualization of thetubing system in dark-lit rooms, which provides an advantage over U.S.Pat. No. 7,374,318 and 2010/0020529 that describes a hook apparatus forlighting oxygen tubing.

Medical gas tubing, such as oxygen tubing, that do not come in contactwith bodily fluids, are generally disposed of in regular garbage. As aresult, each year, millions of units of medical gas supply tubing endsup in both landfills and incineration plants. An additional aim of thisinvention is to produce medical gas supply tubing from non-toxicmaterials or polymers that do not release toxins into the air or groundwater. A further intention of the current invention is to producemedical gas supply tubing that is more readily degradable in theenvironment, and may include biodegradable materials and/or additivesand/or swelling agents. Said materials may also dissolve with certainsolvents. Such design should reduce the environmental impact ofdisposable tubing supplies.

Oxygen tubing is generally packaged as non-sterile tubing. A further aimof this invention is to manufacture medical gas supply tubing that iscomposed of radiation resistant materials such that it can be sterilizedby radiation, such as by gamma radiation, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,622,523. Heat resistant materials may also be employed so that tubingcan be autoclaved for sterilization, especially if reused in conjunctionwith a respiratory machine, such as an anesthesia machine or mechanicalventilator. Furthermore, poor developing nations may need to reusemedical gas tubing supplies as availability of such supplies may belimited. Such sterilization can be important for reducing or preventingcross-contamination in immunocompromised patients. The medical gastubing and/or connector may also be composed of, or coated with,anti-microbial materials to reduce subsequent contamination, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,581.

The present invention also reduces contamination and cross-contaminationto patient users, since it bypasses the need for supply tubing adapters,many of which are reused between patients stays in the hospital, andbecome dirty and contaminated when transported in coat pockets anddropped on the floor. With infectious bacteria becoming ever moreantibiotic resistance, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus (MRSA), any means of limiting patient contamination is desirable.The present invention fulfills this need.

It is a further aim of this invention to prevent patients and/orcaregivers from tripping over long medical gas supply tubing. One way toreduce slack is with self-coiling oxygen tubing, comprised of a seriesof helical coils or loops able to stretch and extend when pulled, andable to retract again when no force is applied, as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,685,456. If tubing is not self-coiling, then a tubing reelmay be used to wind and unwind this tubing to reduce excess tubinglength when needed, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,392,808; 6,591,858;7,104,491; and 7,487,791 and 2006/0243282.

A swivel element and/or swivel adapter may also be employed to releasetension from twisted tubing, as disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,284,134;5,573,280; and 5,797,627. A clip may also be employed to help hold themedical gas tubing onto a patient's clothing, bed, wheelchair, or chair,as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,609.

Medical gas tubing can provide medical gas to a variety of differentmedical gas utilizing devices. Most often medical gas tubing includes anasal cannula or a face mask for delivery of gases directly to, or inthe vicinity of, the nose and/or mouth. Sometimes the medical gas willdry the patient's airways, and so, a humidifier jar, such as describedby U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,552 may be used to humidify the gas. When thereis too much humidification, a condensation trap may also be placed inthe supply tubing line to capture this excess moisture.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,505 describes a basic nasal cannulaheld on the head with over-the-ear tubing, while 2004/0035431 describesa nasal cannula with molded ear fittings for a better hold. Nasalcannulas may contain additional sampling tubes for monitoring patientbreathing via an electronic detector, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,640,932and 7,383,839, the latter of which also contains an oral scoop. U.S.Pat. No. 5,575,282 describes an oxygen distributor with both mouth andnose delivery ports and a whirler to provide helical flow of gas.

An alternative to nasal cannulas, which enter the patient's nostrils,are face masks. Face masks come in all shapes and sizes. Some nasalmasks only cover the nose, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,651,663; 6,729,333;6,959,710; D493,523; D502,261; 2002/0148472; 2004/0094158; and2006/0027236, which describe a triangular nasal mask with headgearattachment.

Other masks are larger and cover both the nose and mouth of the patient.U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,168 and 2003/0047188 describe a face mask for oraland nasal delivery and gas sampling. Face masks can be held in placewith elastic straps, or can be held in place with a headgear, whichsometimes resembles a phone headset, and often contains arms and joints,which may be adjustable like the mask described by U.S. Pat. No.7,089,941 and D515,697.

Because masks rest on the face, patients often complain of discomfort.Some have tried to invent masks that are more comfortable. U.S. Pat. No.6,895,965; 2002,0100479; 20030019496; and 20060076018 describe a facemask with a rotatable elbow, and mask seal with cushion, the seal beingformable and customizable to contour the face. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No.6,698,427 describes a fabric comfort ring for patient medical masks,while 2010/0018535 describes a gel cushion for a mask that forms to theface, and 2005/0051171 describes a nose breathing mask with silicone waxmolded for comfort.

For caregiver access to the patient's nose and/or mouth, such as for apatient drinking through a straw or for suctioning of patient fluids,some masks contain one or more access ports or regions, including2009/0084385; 2003/0024533; and 2008/0110463, the latter of whichattaches to a nebulizer to provide aerosol therapy. U.S. Pat. No.7,255,106 also describes an inhalation mask for use with nebulizer, butunlike 2008/0110463, it does not provide helical flow. Other face masksmay contain an exhaust filter, such as described by U.S. Pat. No.7,503,326. Other masks may be adapted to contain gas supply tubing thatextends through the patient's nose and mouth for mechanical ventilation,such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,270 describes a face mask for mechanicalventilation that consists of an oral tube and a nasal tube that extendsinto the intubated patient.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,450,166; 6,595,207; 6,631,719; 6,675,796; and6,837,238; and U.S. Pat. App. Nos. 20040094160; 20050150498;20060081243; and 20060081248 describe a lightweight oxygen deliverysystem comprising a baffle to diffuse oxygen which can be delivered to aspace in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, when held inposition by a boom, or a face mask, but contains a number of cumbersomeplastic components, and its tubing, in and of itself, does not have theability of being securely fastened to a source of oxygen, and so may popoff under high pressure or be pulled off inadvertently, and may also belimited by delivery of only oxygen gas to the patient.

However, many of these medical gas utilizing or delivery devices arestill cumbersome, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and potentially unsafe.The present invention, along with its medical gas mask preferredembodiment, provides uncompromised safety and comfort, is easier tomanufacture, and can replace many of the existing face masks andcannulas with a single device, to reduce inventory and save hospitalsmoney.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need fora new and improved universal medical gas delivery system which can beused for coupling any of a plurality of different medical gas sources toa medical gas tube leading to any of a plurality of different medicalgas utilizing devices. In this regard, the present inventionsubstantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofmedical gas delivery systems of known designs and configurations nowpresent in the prior art, the present invention provides an improveduniversal medical gas delivery system. As such, the general purpose ofthe present invention, which will be described subsequently in greaterdetail, is to provide a new and improved universal medical gas deliverysystem and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and noneof the disadvantages.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a universalmedical gas delivery system for coupling any of a plurality of differentmedical gas sources to a medical gas tube leading to any of a pluralityof different medical gas utilizing devices. First provided is a firstsource of medical gas. The first source comprises a generallycylindrical male outlet. The male outlet has an output orifice and aninner bore through which source medical gas is adapted to pass. The maleoutlet also has an outer cylindrical surface with threads.

Next provided is a flexible cylindrical elastomeric medical gas tubing.The gas tubing is of an extended length and has an inner diameter andouter diameter. The gas tubing also has a first input end and a remotesecond output end. The first input end further comprises a bushing thatmakes a flush abutment with the first outlet source of medical gas atthe output orifice. The second output end is adapted to attach to any ofa plurality of medical gas utilizing devices. An annular flange of thefirst input end bushing is adapted to reside within a bored out regionof a connector thereby preventing the tubing/bushing from beingseparated from the connector.

The connector is rotatable and has a first opening at a first end and asecond opening at a second end. The bored out region of the connector iscentral and generally cylindrical and extends through the first end andnearly to the second end forming an interior surface. The interiorsurface of the connector has threads and is adapted to couple with thethreads of the male outlet source of medical gas. The second end openingof the connector has a diameter less than the diameter of the annularflange of the first input end tubing bushing. The second end of theconnector serves as an annular abutment against the annular flangethereby holding the first input end tubing bushing against the firstoutlet source of medical gas when the connector is screwed on and alsoprovides an airtight coupling.

Next provided is at least one user gripping means on the exteriorsurface of the connector. The gripping means assists a user in thecoupling/screwing of the connector to the outlet source of medical gas.The gripping means is chosen from physical gripping means including, butnot limited to, grooves, fingertip indentations, radially protrudingflanges, angled surfaces and edges, curved surfaces and edges, surfacebumps and friction-causing rough surfaces.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved universal medical gas delivery system which has all of theadvantages of the prior art medical gas delivery systems of knowndesigns and configurations and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved universal medical gas delivery system which may be easily andefficiently manufactured and marketed.

It is further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved universal medical gas delivery system which is of durable andreliable constructions.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved universal medical gas delivery system which is susceptible of alow cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, andwhich accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to theconsuming public, thereby making such universal medical gas deliverysystem economically available to the buying public.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide auniversal medical gas delivery system for coupling any of a plurality ofdifferent medical gas sources to a medical gas tube leading to any of aplurality of different medical gas utilizing devices.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved universal medical gas delivery system. A first source ofmedical gas has a generally cylindrical male outlet with a cylindricalbore and a threaded outer cylindrical surface. A flexible cylindricalelastomeric medical gas tubing has an input end with a bushing making aflush abutment with the male outlet at the output orifice. An output endattaches to any of a plurality of medical gas utilizing devices. Anannular flange of the input end bushing resides within a centralcylindrical bored out region extending through the first end and nearlyto the second end of a rotatable connector forming an interior surfaceof a connector with threads coupling with the threads of the maleoutlet. The second end is an annular abutment against the annular flangeholding the input end tubing bushing against the outlet source andproviding an airtight coupling. A gripping means is on the exteriorsurface of the connector.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof. Such description makes referenceto the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an improved universal medical gas delivery system consistingof medical gas tubing with rotatable threaded connector and tubingbushing, at first input end, that attaches to a source of medical gas(flow meter outlet), and is able to transfer medical gas to arespiratory gas utilizing device, at remote second output end, and inthis figure, is shown with the third preferred embodiment of a dampeningdisperser in partial face mask housing, along with swivel elements.

FIG. 2 is the first preferred embodiment of the threaded rotatableconnector, with gripping means, and the medical gas tubing bushing, withannular flange and sliding-preventing (distance limiting) means; shownintact (left) and cross-section (right).

FIG. 3 provides greater detail of the threaded rotatable connector ofthe first preferred embodiment, viewed from the top down (top left offigure), bottom up (top right of figure), transparent three-dimensionalview (bottom left of figure), and cross-section (bottom right offigure).

FIG. 4 provides greater detail of the medical gas tubing bushing inthree-dimensions and cross-section, and also reveals the annulargroove/track that the second end of the rotatable connector sits into toprevent the connector from sliding along the tubing.

FIG. 5 is another first preferred embodiment of the threaded rotatableconnector, with gripping means, and the medical gas tubing bushing;shown intact (top) and cross-section (bottom). In this embodiment, anelastomeric seal is provided at the bushing tip, and the connector isable to slide a limited distance to expose some of the bushing. Thetubing is lumen tubing that contains reinforced, parallel channels toprevent tubing from kinking.

FIG. 6 is a second preferred embodiment of tubing containing aY-junction allowing for two input terminals, each able to connect to adifferent source of medical gas, which may be important foradministering anesthesia. The first outlet is a threaded, cylindricalmale outlet allowing the connector to screw on; while the second outletis a barbed stem (or nipple) that the tubing bushing can push onto. Therotatable and slidable connector is also found on the output terminal ofthe tubing, allowing it to connect to a respiratory gas utilizingdevice, such as a nebulizer (as shown).

FIG. 7 is a second preferred embodiment with rotatable connectors onboth ends of the tubing, thereby, allowing tubing to be connected inseries using an adapter interface, such as to extend tubing lengthbetween the first source of medical gas and the respiratory gasutilizing device.

FIG. 8 is another first preferred embodiment of the threaded rotatableconnector, with gripping means, and the medical gas tubing bushing showncross-section (top). The second end of the rotatable connector has anannular recess, comprised of four flanges (bottom), which allows theconnector to be pushed onto the bushing during manufacture, but cannotbe taken off. There are no means of preventing the connector fromsliding along the tubing, but these four flanges may catch on the tubingand reduce sliding by friction. The bushing can be fully exposed in thisembodiment. An elastomeric washer comprises the annular flange of thetubing bushing.

FIG. 9 is another second preferred embodiment that includes acondensation/water trap and a nasal cannula as a respiratory gasutilizing device.

FIG. 10 is another second preferred embodiment that helps patients andhealth care workers utilize the correct gas source. The rotatableconnector is color-coded, and includes raised Braille lettering toindicate which type of gas source to be used with this system. Thetubing also includes glow-in-the-dark indicia that spells out thecorrect gas type. Also shown are fiber optic threads that provide tubingvisibility at night, to prevent caregivers from tripping on the tubing.

FIG. 11 is a detailed inner view of the dampening disperser and partialface mask housing of one of the third preferred embodiments of theuniversal medical gas delivery system. The disperser includes two gasoutlet nozzles that release medical gas in somewhat counterposingdirections to reduce gas velocity and to generate vortexing and mixingof gas with ambient air through gaps in the partial face mask housing.Elastic straps comprise the patient head interface in this figure.Cushioning elements and face mask rim are also shown.

FIG. 12 is a detailed inner view of a partial face mask housing with analternate dampening disperser, which includes a gas nozzle and anon-stationary baffle (impeller) that can reduce gas velocity andgenerate vortexing and mixing of gas with ambient air, as well as, toindicate air flow when in use.

FIG. 13 is a detailed inner view of a partial face mask housing with analternate dampening disperser, which includes two gas outlet nozzlespositioned with two stationary (mushroom-like) baffles in its air flowtrajectory, to reduce gas velocity and generate vortexing and mixing ofgas with ambient air.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the universal medical gas delivery system ofFIG. 1 with its dampening disperser detached from the partial face maskhousing so as to show gas flowing from the dampening disperser to thepatient, as well as, ambient air mixing in, and exhaled breath mixingout, of the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth. Thisfigure also shows care giver access to the patient's nose and mouththrough gaps/openings in this partial face mask housing. Cushioningelements and face mask rim are also shown.

FIG. 15 is the partial face mask housing and dampening disperser as inFIG. 11, but with a boom that holds the dampening disperser in place, inthe vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, instead of straps. Notshown is that the support boom is further attached to head gear and/orneck gear as the patient interface. The boom can further support a gassampling line that can connect to a monitoring device to determine theconcentration of gases in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth,such as exhaled carbon dioxide.

FIG. 16 is the partial face mask housing and dampening disperser as inFIG. 11, but further includes a nebulizer attached to an aerosol portfor the administration of nebulizer treatments of medicament. Thepartial face mask housing directs the aerosol to a region in thevicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, without directing aerosoltoward the patient's eyes.

FIG. 17 is a detailed inner view of a partial face mask housing with analternate dampening disperser, which includes at least one gasmulti-outlet nozzle including an at least a partial tubular structurewith a plurality of small/micro gas outlets to disperse and reduce avelocity of a gas flow and to generate vortexing and mixing of gas. Thisfigure is shown with three gas multi-outlet nozzles, each having astraight tubular structure.

FIG. 18 is a detailed inner view of a partial face mask housing withthis alternate dampening disperser, which includes at least one gasmulti-outlet nozzle including an at least a partial tubular structurewith a plurality of small/micro gas outlets to disperse and reduce avelocity of a gas flow and to generate vortexing and mixing of gas. Thisfigure is shown with one gas multi-outlet nozzle having a curved/spiraltubular structure.

FIG. 19 is a detailed inner view of a partial face mask housing with analternate dampening disperser, which includes channels/space within atleast some concave walls of the partial face mask housing and adaptedfor a medical gas to pass. These at least some concave walls furtherinclude a plurality of small/micro gas outlets to disperse, refocus andreduce a velocity of a gas flow and to generate vortexing and mixing ofgas.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof,the preferred embodiment of the new and improved universal medical gasdelivery system embodying the principles and concepts of the presentinvention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will bedescribed.

The present invention, the universal medical gas delivery system 10 iscomprised of a plurality of components. Such components in theirbroadest context include a source of medical gas, a flexible cylindricalelastomeric medical gas tubing, a connector and a gripping means. Suchcomponents are individually configured and correlated with respect toeach other so as to attain the desired objective.

The universal medical gas delivery system 10 is for coupling any of aplurality of different medical gas sources to a medical gas tube leadingto any of a plurality of different medical gas utilizing devices. Firstprovided is a first source of medical gas 20. The first source comprisesa generally cylindrical male outlet 22. The male outlet has an outputorifice 24 and an inner bore 26 through which source medical gas isadapted to pass. The male outlet also has an outer cylindrical surfacewith threads 28.

Next provided is a flexible cylindrical elastomeric medical gas tubing30. The gas tubing is of an extended length and has an inner diameter 32and outer diameter 34. The gas tubing also has a first input end 36 anda remote second output end 38. The first input end further comprises atubing bushing 40 that makes a flush abutment with the cylindrical maleoutlet 22 of the source of medical gas at the output orifice 24. Theremote second output end 38 is adapted to attach to any of a pluralityof medical gas utilizing devices 42. In FIGS. 2 and 3, an annular flange44 of the first input end tubing bushing 40 is adapted to reside withina bored out region 60 of a rotatable connector 50 thereby preventing theflexible cylindrical elastomeric medical gas tubing (30) and input endtubing bushing (40) from being separated from the connector.

The connector 50 is rotatable and has a first opening 52 at a first end54 and a second opening 56 at a second end 58. The bored out region 60of the connector is central and generally cylindrical 60 and extendsthrough the first end 54 and nearly to the second end 58 forming aninterior surface 62. The interior surface of the rotatable connector hasthreads 64 and is adapted to couple with the threads 28 of thecylindrical male outlet 22 of the source of medical gas 20. The secondend opening 56 of the rotatable connector has a diameter 66 less thanthe diameter 68 of the annular flange 44 of the first input end 36tubing bushing 40. The second end 58 of the connector serves as anannular abutment 48 against the annular flange 44 thereby holding thefirst input end tubing bushing 40 against the first outlet 22 source ofmedical gas when the connector 50 is screwed on and also provides anairtight coupling.

Next provided is at least one user gripping means 70 on the exteriorsurface of the connector. The gripping means assists a user in thecoupling/screwing of the connector 50 to the outlet 22 source of medicalgas 20. The gripping means 70 is chosen from physical gripping meansincluding, but not limited to, grooves, fingertip indentations, radiallyprotruding flanges, angled surfaces and edges, curved surfaces andedges, surface bumps and friction-causing rough surfaces.

At least one component of the first input end tubing bushing 40 iscomprised of material chosen from a class of materials including, butnot limited to, rigid materials, semi-rigid materials, semi-flexiblematerials, flexible materials and combinations of such materialsthereof. Such materials include, but are not limited to, hard plastic,soft plastic, polymers, composites, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride/PVC, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/ABS, latex, silicone,metal and combinations thereof.

At least one component of the rotatable connector 50 is comprised ofmaterial chosen from a class of materials including, but not limited to,rigid materials, semi-rigid materials, semi-flexible materials, flexiblematerials and combinations of such materials thereof. Such materialsinclude, but are not limited to, hard plastic, soft plastic, polymers,composites, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride PVC, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene/ABS, latex, silicone, metal and combinations thereof.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the connector 50 spinsindependently of the medical gas tubing 30 and screws onto the medicalgas threaded male fitting 22 while the medical gas tubing 30 remainsstationary. In this manner unnecessary twisting of the tubing isprevented.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the medical gas tubing 30cannot be disconnected from the medical gas threaded male fitting 22once the threaded female connector 50 has been securely screwed ontothis fitting. In this manner, the medical gas tubing 30 cannot beinadvertently pulled off and cannot be blown off as a result of gaspressure once the connector is coupled to this medical gas threaded malefitting 22.

In another preferred embodiment FIG. 4, the tubing end/bushing 40further comprises an annular groove/indentation/track 46 adapted tohouse/contain at least some of the second end 58 walls/structure, theannular abutment 48 of the rotatable connector 50. The grooved track 46allows the rotatable connector 50 to spin but prevents the rotatableconnector from sliding along the axis 84 of the tubing to anyappreciable extent. The grooved track 46 serves the purpose of theannular flange provided in other embodiments to prevent the connectionfrom leaking gas and from the connector coming off the bushing. Thetubing end bushing 40 has a general shape selected from the type ofgeneral shapes including, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape,curved shape, ball shape, semi-spherical shape, triangular shape,rectangular shape, trapezoid shape, bowl shape and any combination shapethereof.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention FIG. 5, at least oneseal 72 is provided to prevent gas leakage between the tubing connector50 and the medical gas threaded male fitting outlet or inlet 22. Theseal 72 is a fluidic mechanical seal selected from a class of mechanicalseals including, but not limited to, washers, O-rings, X-rings, Q-rings,square rings and gaskets and further selected from mechanical seals thatare removably placed within the medical gas delivery system andmechanical seals that are an integral component of the medical gasdelivery system and any combinations thereof.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention FIG. 8, the medicalgas tubing 30 has an end that includes at least one elastomeric washer72 to aid in providing an airtight seal between the connector 50 and themedical gas threaded male fitting 22. The elastomeric washer 72 can beintegrally included as part of, in addition to, or instead of theannular flange 44.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention FIG. 6, the universalmedical gas delivery system has a second/alternate source of medical gas80. The second source of medical gas has an output end 82, nipple,nipple and nut adapter, barbed outlet, tubular outlet, of a reduceddiameter with an axial inner bore through which source medical gas isadapted to pass. The reduced output end 82 is adapted to couple withinthe first input end 36 of the medical gas tubing/bushing 40 and allowthe medical gas to pass from the source 80 to the tubing 30. Therotatable connector 50 is adapted to be used to help the user grip andpush/pull on the tubing end to force the tubing first input end bushing40 onto and over the nipple outlet 82 more tightly.

In still another preferred embodiment FIG. 5, the rotatable connector 50can be slid up and down, back and forth, along the axis 84 of the tubing30. In this manner it is slid away to expose the tubing end bushing 40during coupling of the tubing end with a rigid tubular “nipple”structure, such as the nipple of a second source of medical gas outlet82 or the nipple of a respiratory device 42. In this embodiment, means86 can be provided for limiting the distance that the rotatableconnector can travel from the tubing end, so as to not travel too far.The means for limiting this sliding distance of the rotatable connector50 along the tubing can be chosen from such distance limiting meansincluding, but not limited to, a barrier, such as an annular flange,washer, O-ring, dimple, bump, clasp, groove and wedge, on or as part ofthe tubing and/or bushing and friction causing means including, but notlimited to, rough surfaces, jagged or disjointed edges and alternateembodiment flanges 88 of the annular recess of the second end 58 of therotatable connector 50 that catches the tubing 30.

In another preferred embodiment FIG. 2, the rotatable connector 50cannot be slid up and down back and forth along the axis of the tubing.The means 86 provided for preventing the rotatable connector fromsliding along the axis 84 of the tubing can be chosen from such distancelimiting means including, but not limited to, at least one barrier, suchas an annular flange, washer, O-ring, dimple, bump, clasp and wedge, onor as part of the tubing and/or first end bushing. Said barrier 86 isunable to pass through the opening 56 of the second end 58 of therotatable connector 50.

In other preferred embodiments FIGS. 6 and 7, the medical gas tubing 30has at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal and atleast one rotatable connector on the at least one input terminal and atleast one output terminal.

In still other preferred embodiments FIGS. 6 and 7, the system isadapted to connect to at least one of a plurality of medical gasutilizing devices 42, including medical gas utilizing devices having agenerally cylindrical male inlet with an input orifice and an inner borethrough which medical gas is adapted to pass and an outer cylindricalsurface having threads able to couple with the threads of the femalerotatable connector of the medical tubing output end/terminal as theconnector is screwed on; and medical gas utilizing devices with atubular “nipple” inlet of a reduced diameter with an axial bore whichmedical gas is adapted to pass, that an output end/terminal of themedical gas tubing can be pushed onto/over.

In another preferred embodiment FIG. 8, the rotatable connector 50 hasan annular recess 92 of its second end 58 comprised of at least oneflange 88 which allows the connector 50 to be pushed over the annularflange 44 of the tubing first end/bushing 40 during manufacture andassembly. The connector 50, however, cannot be pushed back over theannular flange 44 in the opposite direction. In addition, the at leastone flange 88 of the connector can be angled non-perpendicular to thetubing and semi-flexible/bendable to achieve this association with thetubing.

The tubing provided is crush-resistant and kink-resistant as shown inFIG. 5. This type of tubing is otherwise known as “lumen tubing”. Thistubing contains one or more channels 94 along or within the tubing wallsfor reinforcing the tubing.

In second preferred embodiments FIG. 7, illustrated by the systemidentified by reference numeral 100, the universal medical gas deliverysystem is a plurality of systems are connected in series 100. Thesesecond preferred embodiments are for extending tubing length. Theseembodiments use an adapter 102 chosen from adaptors including, but notlimited to, an adapter with at least two threaded male plugs that tubingthreaded female connectors can screw onto, an adaptor with at least twonipples that tubing can push onto, and an adaptor with at least onethreaded male plug and at least one nipple.

At least one swivel element/swivel adaptor 104 is provided FIG. 1 torelease tension from twisted tubing as the element can be rotated. Theswivel element can be chosen from a class of swivel elements including,but not limited to, ball joints, hollow cylindrical rod-like housingsthat contain another rod-like structure of smaller diameter inside of itand allowed to rotate within it and cylindrical rod-like structures ableto turn freely within a support structure along with means are ofpreventing said swivel element from dissociating, chosen from such meansincluding, but not limited to nuts, washers, pins and flanges.

In FIG. 9, further provided is a condensation trap tubing such as awater trap 106. Such trap functions to entrain moisture and humidity inthe tubing.

Next an adapter/junction FIG. 6, such as an “X” and “Y” adapter andjunction 108 is provided for connection to multiple sources of medicalgas and to multiple respiratory devices/gas utilizing devices.

A quick disconnect element is next provided.

In second preferred embodiments, the medical gas supply tubing that isprovided is self-coiling and comprised of a series of helical coils,loops able to stretch and extend when pulled and able to retract againon its own, when not pulled.

In second preferred embodiments, a tubing reel is provided to wind andunwind tubing to reduce excess tubing length as needed. This tubing reelmay be manual and self-retracting.

In second preferred embodiments, a clip or swivel clip is provided. Theclip functions to hold the gas tubing onto a patient's clothing, bed,wheelchair, or chair.

Further, in second preferred embodiments, shown in FIG. 10, at least onecomponent 110 that is color coded is provided for safety. The colorcoded component helps direct the user or care giver to the proper sourceof medical gas to avoid errors. Alternatively, at least one component islabeled to indicate the type of medical gas to be used. Labeling may beused for people with visual impairment including color blindness. Thelabeling can include raised lettering 112, indicia and/or Braille 114 toindicate the type of medical gas to be used. Also, alternatively, atleast one component may be made from a glow-in-the-dark and/ortranslucent material, such as to aid visualization of the tubing systemin dark-lit rooms. The tubing may be illuminated by a light source, suchas LEDs and fiber optic threads 116 incorporated into the tubing.

In second preferred embodiments, the medical gas supply tubing andconnector are comprised of and/or coated with anti-microbial materialsto reduce microbial growth and contamination.

The at least one gas source is chosen from medical gas sources selectedfrom a class of respiratory gas sources including, but not limited to,gas tanks, air compressors, oxygen concentrating devices, oxygenconcentrators and wall-mounted flow meters; and capable of deliveringmedical gas chosen from the types of medical gases selected from a classof inhalable medical gases including, but not limited to, compressedair, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, helium, carbonmonoxide, nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, cyclopropane, other anesthesiagases and any combinations thereof.

The at least one respiratory apparatus is chosen from medical gasutilizing apparatuses selected from a class of respiratory gas utilizingdevices including, but not limited to, nasal cannulas 118 (FIG. 9), facemasks, venturi valves, venturi masks, mouthpieces, endotrachealcatheters/endotracheal adapters, nebulizers/atomizers 120 (FIG. 6),aerosol masks, vaporizers, inhalers, aerosol holding chambers/spacers,spirometers, humidifier jars, humidifier devices, positive airwaypressure devices, positive expiratory pressure devices, resuscitationbags also called artificial resuscitator, reanimation/resuscitation bag,“Ambu bag”, gas mixing devices gas mixers, flow regulators, flowsensors, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, incubators, mechanical ventilators,ventilator line oxygen port adaptors, anesthesia machines/anesthesiaventilators, other respiratory line adapters and fittings and anycombinations thereof.

Third preferred embodiments of the present universal medical gasdelivery system invention (FIGS. 1, and 11 through 19) are comprised ofa dampening disperser that reduces the velocity of medical gas flowingfrom the source of medical gas to a space in the vicinity of thepatient's nose and mouth, such as between the upper lip and the base ofthe nose, while generating vortices to mix the gases in the vicinity ofthe patient's nose and mouth. This allows for both nose breathing andmouth breathing of these gases. The dampening disperser releases medicalgas in a way that causes at least some turbulence and negativeinterference to slow the velocities of the gas streams, to reduce fullimpact of gas flow with the patient's face. The interference can alsocause angular momentum and circular motion to further enhance vortexformation and gas mixing. Vortex formation and gas mixing are importantfor clearing exhaled breath away from the patient and can also allow formixing of medical gas with ambient air in approximately this same space.The interior walls of the dampening disperser, which contain at leastone gas outlet nozzle that dispenses gas within/into the interior regionof the dampening disperser, are concave cup-like in shape, and thesewalls can be angled to help focus and direct gas vortices toward thepatient, such as towards the patient's mouth. The dampening dispersercan be attached to a variety of different supports in communication withthe patient's head to position the dampening disperser in the vicinityof the patient's nose and mouth. Different supports include that of anat least a partial face mask housing of full or partial face masks. Gasoutlets of the dampening disperser can meet at a junction. The dampeningdisperser is connected to at least one medical gas tube. The medical gastubing can be connected to the flow meter of at least one medical gassource, utilizing the rotatable rigid connector described herein. Therotatable rigid connector described herein can provide a safe andreliable connection to the medical gas source, that cannot beinadvertently pulled off, or shot off by pressure, such as when the flowmeter is set to a high flow rate above 15 liters per minute. Therefore,with the present invention, the flow meter of the at least one source ofmedical gas can be safely adjusted from low flow rates to high flowrates, so that the fraction of an inspired medical gas, such as thefraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), can be adjusted accordingly toaccommodate the full range of a gas concentration for a patient's needs.For instance, the flow meter can be adjusted so that the present devicecan deliver a FiO2 within and beyond the range of 24% to 90%, with flowmeter settings within and beyond 1 liter per minute to 40 liters perminute.

Third preferred embodiments may also allow access to the patient's mouthand nose through at least one of these at least one vent, aperture,cutaway, or gap of the mask. The lightweight and less cumbersome, openaccess feature of the preferred “open” face mask embodiment can preventpressure build-up in the system and can allow for: the improvedclearance of patient exhalation for nonrebreathing of carbon dioxide;better mixing of medical gas with ambient air; easier caregiver accessto the patient's mouth, such as for suctioning, performing spirometry,incentive spirometry, peak flow, and other types of respiratory care andoral care; the ability for the patient to speak with less hindranceduring treatment; the ability to drink through a straw during treatment;the reduced probability of aspiration; and the accommodation of anasogastric intubation tube for feeding and medicinal administration.

Along this medical gas tubing is at least one swivel element that isable to rotate freely to release twisting and tension on the medical gastubing. Said swivel element can be located in the vicinity of thedampening disperser.

In a third preferred embodiment FIG. 11, the medical gas delivery system10 includes at least one dampening disperser 220 configured to besupported in a position in front of a patient's face. The dampeningdisperser 220 includes at least some concave walls 226 of an at least apartial face mask housing 244, and at least two gas outlets nozzles 222that release medical gas within the interior region 224 formed by theconcave interior walls 226 of the dampening disperser. The nozzles arein at least partially counterposing directions to disperse and reducethe velocity/impact of the gas flow 230 directed at the patient andcoming from the at least one supply tubing 30 attached to an at leastone medical gas source outlet 22 or 82. A turbulent plume of gases isgenerated that mix with ambient air in the space 228 in the vicinity ofthe patient's nose and mouth, such as between the upper lip and the baseof the nose. In this manner both nose breathing and mouth breathing areallowed of these gases the clearance of exhaled breath away from thepatient is aided so as to diminish the rebreathing of exhaled air. Saiddampening disperser can be attached to a variety of different supports232 in communication with the patient's head to position the dampeningdisperser in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth.

In another third preferred embodiment FIG. 12, the least one dampeningdisperser 220 is configured to be supported in a position in front of apatient's face. The dampening disperser 220 includes at least someconcave walls 226 of an at least a partial face mask housing 244, and atleast one gas outlet nozzle 234 that releases medical gas within theinterior region 224 formed by the concave interior walls 226 of thedampening disperser. At least one non-stationary baffle 236 is in thepath of this gas flow to disperse and create drag. In this manner, thevelocity/impact of the gas flow 230 is directed at the patient and iscoming from the at least one supply tubing 30 attached to an at leastone medical gas source outlet 22 or 82. This non-stationary baffle canalso create cyclonic motion and vortices. A turbulent plume of gases isgenerated that mixes with ambient air in the space 228 in the vicinityof the patient's nose and mouth, such as between the upper lip and thebase of the nose. Again, in this manner, both nose breathing and mouthbreathing of these gases is allowed and the clearance of exhaled breathaway from the patient is aided so as to diminish the rebreathing ofexhaled air. Movement of said non-stationary baffle 236 may bevisualized to indicate that the patient is receiving gas flow. The atleast one gas outlet nozzle 234, and the at least one non-stationarybaffle 236, may each be preferably positionable to adjust the deliveryof the medical gas. The dampening disperser can be attached to a varietyof different supports 232 in communication with the patient's head toposition the dampening disperser in the vicinity of the patient's noseand mouth. Non-stationary baffles 236 can be chosen from a class ofbaffles selected from a type of non-stationary baffles including, butnot limited to, flexible flaps, sails, parachutes, wings and blades androtating blades 238, such as that of a fan, impeller, and windmill. Theat least one non-stationary baffle 236 is preferably replaceable with adifferent non-stationary baffle from this class of non-stationarybaffles to adjust the delivery of the medical gas.

In another third preferred embodiment FIG. 13, the least one dampeningdisperser 220 is configured to be supported in a position in front of apatient's face. The dampening disperser 220 includes at least someconcave walls 226 of an at least a partial face mask housing 244, and atleast one gas outlet nozzle 240 that releases medical gas within theinterior region 224 formed by the concave interior walls 226 of thedampening disperser. At least two baffles 242 are in the path of thisgas flow to disperse and reduce the velocity/impact of the gas flow 230directed at the patient and coming from the at least one supply tubing30 attached to an at least one medical gas source outlet 22 or 82. Aturbulent plume of gases is generated that mix with ambient air in thespace 228 in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, such asbetween the upper lip and the base of the nose. In this manner, bothnose breathing and mouth breathing of these gases is allowed and theclearance of exhaled breath away from the patient is aided so as todiminish the rebreathing of exhaled air. The at least one gas outletnozzle 240, and the at least two baffles 242, may each be preferablypositionable to adjust the delivery of the medical gas. The at least twobaffles 242 are also preferably replaceable with different baffles,baffles having different size and or shape, to adjust the delivery ofsaid medical gas. The dampening disperser can be attached to a varietyof different supports 232 in communication with the patient's head toposition the dampening disperser in the vicinity of the patient's noseand mouth.

In another third preferred embodiment FIGS. 17 and 18, the least onedampening disperser 220 is configured to be supported in a position infront of a patient's face. The dampening disperser 220 includes at leastsome concave walls 226 of an at least a partial face mask housing 244,and at least one gas multi-outlet nozzle 272. The at least one gasmulti-outlet nozzle 272 includes an at least a partial tubular structure274 with a plurality of small/micro gas outlets 276 that release medicalgas. The at least one gas multi-outlet nozzle 272 serves to disperse andreduce a velocity of a gas flow 230 coming from at least one medical gassupply tubing 30 attached to an at least one medical gas source outlet22 or 82, while generating at least one plume of gases that mix with airin a space 228 in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, chosenfrom vicinities including, but not limited to, between an upper lip anda base of the patient's nose, to allow for both nose breathing and mouthbreathing of said at least one plume of gases and to aid in clearance ofexhaled breath away from the patient so as to diminish rebreathing ofexhaled air. FIG. 17 shows a dampening disperser 220 with three gasmulti-outlet nozzles 272, each having a straight tubular structure 274;while FIG. 18 shows a dampening disperser 220 with one gas multi-outletnozzle 272 having a curved/spiral tubular structure 274. In FIGS. 17 and18, the at least one gas multi-outlet nozzle 272, which includes an atleast a partial tubular structure 274 with a plurality of small/microgas outlets 276, releases at least some medical gas in at leastpartially counterposing directions. The dampening disperser can beattached to a variety of different supports 232 in communication withthe patient's head to position the dampening disperser in the vicinityof the patient's nose and mouth.

In another third preferred embodiment FIG. 19, the least one dampeningdisperser 220 is configured to be supported in a position in front of apatient's face. The dampening disperser 220 includes at least someconcave walls 226 of an at least a partial face mask housing 244. The atleast some concave walls 226 of an at least a partial face mask housing244 includes channels/space 282 within, which are adapted for a medicalgas to pass. These at least some concave walls 226 of an at least apartial face mask housing 244 further include a plurality of small/microgas outlets 284 on at least some portion of its surface that releasemedical gas in an interior region 224. The at least some concave walls226 of an at least a partial face mask housing 244, which includeschannels/space 282 within and a plurality of small/micro gas outlets284, serve to disperse, refocus and reduce a velocity of a gas flow 230coming from at least one medical gas supply tubing 30 attached to an atleast one medical gas source outlet 22 or 82, while generating at leastone plume of gases that mix with air in a space 228 in the vicinity ofthe patient's nose and mouth, chosen from vicinities including, but notlimited to, between an upper lip and a base of the patient's nose, toallow for both nose breathing and mouth breathing of said at least oneplume of gases and to aid in clearance of exhaled breath away from thepatient so as to diminish rebreathing of exhaled air. The at least someconcave walls 226 of an at least a partial face mask housing 244 with aplurality of small/micro gas outlets 284 release at least some medicalgas in at least partially counterposing directions. The dampeningdisperser can be attached to a variety of different supports 232 incommunication with the patient's head to position the dampeningdisperser in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth. In someembodiments, the at least some concave walls 226 preferably form an atleast a partial prism-like shape.

In the third preferred embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the least onedampening disperser 220 is configured to be supported in a position infront of a patient's face. The dampening disperser 220 includes orserves as at least some concave walls 226 of an at least a partial facemask housing 244. The at least partial face mask housing 244 includes atleast one fastener 246 to hold the face mask 244 in place on thepatient's face. The face mask shown does not form an airtight sealbetween the mask and the patient's face. In this manner, at least someambient air can enter and at least some dispensed gas and exhaled breathcan exit. The space 228 is in the vicinity of the patient's nose andmouth. The movement of airflow 248 to and from the space in the vicinityof the patient's nose and mouth can be accomplished by at least onevent, aperture, cutaway, or gap 250 of the mask, which can preventpressure build-up in the system. In preferred embodiments, this gap 250can allow access to the patient's mouth and nose, such as forsuctioning, performing spirometry, incentive spirometry, peak flow andother types of respiratory care and oral care. The patient is able tospeak with less hindrance during treatment. The patient is able to drinkthrough a straw during treatment. There is reduced probability ofaspiration. A naso-gastric intubation tubing may be accommodated forfeeding and medicinal administration. In this manner, the patient'sfeeling of claustrophobia is abated patient comfort is improved.

In these third alternate embodiments FIG. 14, the at least partial facemask housing 244 includes at least one fastener 246 to hold the facemask 244 in place on the patient's face. The face mask housing containsa rim 252 for at least some contact with the patient's face so as tosupport the positioning of the dampening disperser in the vicinity ofthe patient's nose and mouth. The rim is further preferably comprised ofat least one cushioning element 254 for both patient comfort and also toelevate the dampening disperser at least some distance from thepatient's face. The rim, or its cushioning, can be chosen fromcushioning elements including, but not limited to, pads, thickelastomeric pads, fabric pads, gel containing pads, liquid containingpads, wax pads, wax-filled pads, silicone-filled pads, air-filled pads,balloons, air-filled skirts and any combination of one or more of thesecushioning elements. Note that the air-filled skirts would utilize someof the gas dispensed from at least one gas outlet nozzle to fill theskirt to create a cushion of air which is ejected against the surface ofthe patient's face to create an “air cushion,” similar to that whichlifts a hovercraft. Inflation of this air cushion can indicate thatmedical gas is flowing through the system. The comfort pad may also beformable/adjustable to contour to the face and to help hold the mask inposition. The streamlined face mask design reduces feelings ofclaustrophobia that patients often have with more cumbersome face masks.

In these third embodiments, at least one dampening disperser 220 issupported and held in position by an at least one support 232 chosenfrom a class of head associated supports selected from medical gasdelivery supports including, but not limited to, fasteners, straps 246(FIG. 11), bands, elastic bands, chin supports, glasses-like supports,over the ear supports, over the ear elastic bands, over the ear tubingsupports, arms, booms 256 (FIG. 15) and elbow-like supports, etc and caninclude at least one swivel element 258, chosen from a class of swivelelements including, but not limited to, ball joints, hollow cylindricalrod-like housings that contain another rod-like structure of smallerdiameter inside of it and allowed to rotate within it and cylindricalrod-like structures able to turn freely within a support structure,along with means of preventing said swivel element from dissociating,chosen from such means including, but not limited to nuts, washers, pinsand flanges.

In these third alternate embodiments, the at least partial face maskhousing 244 preferably includes at least one ambient air vent 250 chosenfrom a class of ambient air vents including, but not limited to, airvents that are non-adjustable, air vents that are adjustable, air ventsthat are filterable, air vents that are closeable, and air vents thatare resealable.

Again, in these third alternate embodiments, the at least partial facemask housing 244 preferably includes an aerosol port 260 (FIG. 16) forattachment to a nebulizer 262. In this manner, the patient may alsoreceive a nebulizer treatment while wearing the support of the dampeningdisperser. The airflow of the dampening disperser may direct aerosolflow to the nose and mouth of the patient and away from the patient'seyes, for a higher respirable dose of aerosol.

In these third alternate embodiments, the at least partial face maskhousing 244 preferably includes a gas sampling tubing line 264 (FIG. 15)with inlet positioned in a space in the vicinity of the patient's noseand mouth and outlet connected to a gas monitoring device/sensor. Themonitoring device monitors gas composition in this region, such asexhaled gases which may include determination of the carbon dioxideconcentration and ratio of carbon dioxide to oxygen.

In these third alternate embodiments of the medical gas delivery system,the at least partial face mask housing 244 may also include a removablesupport adapter that can align the dampening disperser with anendotracheal tube for delivery of medical gas to an intubated patient.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, thesame should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, nofurther discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will beprovided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, theforegoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of theinvention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by LettersPatent of the United States is as follows:
 1. A medical gas deliverysystem that includes at least one dampening disperser (220), configuredto be supported in a position in front of a patient's face, saiddampening disperser (220) including at least some concave walls (226) ofan at least a partial face mask housing (244), at least one gas outletnozzle (234) that releases medical gas, and at least one non-stationarybaffle (236) in a path of gas flow (230) to disperse and create drag,thereby reducing a velocity of the gas flow (230) coming from at leastone medical gas supply tubing (30) attached to an at least one medicalgas source outlet (22 or 82), while generating a turbulent plume ofgases that mix with air in a space (228) in a vicinity of a patient'snose and mouth, chosen from vicinities including, but not limited to,between an upper lip and a base of the patient's nose, to allow for bothnose breathing and mouth breathing of said turbulent plume of gases andto aid in clearance of exhaled breath away from the patient so as todiminish rebreathing of exhaled air, movement of said non-stationarybaffle (236) is visualized to indicate that the patient is receiving gasflow, said at least one non-stationary baffle (236) is chosen from aclass of baffles selected from a type of non-stationary bafflesincluding, but not limited to, flexible flaps, sails, parachutes, wingsand blades and rotating blades (238), including rotating blades of afan, impeller, and windmill.
 2. A medical gas delivery system thatincludes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim 1,whereby said at least one gas outlet nozzle (234) is positionable toadjust the delivery of said medical gas.
 3. A medical gas deliverysystem that includes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forthin claim 1, whereby said at least one non-stationary baffle (236) ispositionable to adjust the delivery of said medical gas.
 4. A medicalgas delivery system that includes at least one dampening disperser (220)as set forth in claim 1, whereby said at least one non-stationary baffle(236) is replaceable with a different non-stationary baffle to adjustthe delivery of said medical gas.
 5. A medical gas delivery system thatincludes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim 1,whereby said at least a partial face mask housing (244) includes atleast one ambient air vent (250) chosen from a class of ambient airvents including, but not limited to, air vents that are non-adjustable,air vents that are adjustable, air vents that are filterable, air ventsthat are closeable, and air vents that are resealable.
 6. A medical gasdelivery system that includes at least one dampening disperser (220) asset forth in claim 1, whereby said at least a partial face mask housing(244) also includes an aerosol port (260), for attachment to a nebulizer(262), so that the patient receives a nebulizer treatment while wearingsaid at least a partial face mask housing (244).
 7. A medical gasdelivery system that includes at least one dampening disperser (220) asset forth in claim 1, whereby said at least a partial face mask housing(244) also includes a gas sampling tubing line (264), with inletpositioned in the space (228) in the vicinity of the patient's nose andmouth and outlet connected to a gas monitoring device/sensor, to monitorgas composition in the space (228) and to monitor exhaled gases, whichincludes determination of a carbon dioxide concentration and ratio ofcarbon dioxide to oxygen.
 8. A medical gas delivery system that includesat least one dampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim 1, wherebysaid at least a partial face mask housing (244) also includes aremovable support adapter that can align the dampening disperser with anendotracheal tube for delivery of medical gas to an intubated patient.9. A medical gas delivery system that includes at least one dampeningdisperser (220), configured to be supported in a position in front of apatient's face, said dampening disperser (220) including at least someconcave walls (226) of an at least a partial face mask housing (244), atleast one gas outlet nozzle (240) that releases medical gas, and atleast two baffles (242) in a path of gas flow (230) to disperse, refocusand reduce a velocity of the gas flow (230) coming from at least onemedical gas supply tubing (30) attached to an at least one medical gassource outlet (22 or 82), while generating at least one turbulent plumeof gases that mix with air in a space (228) in a vicinity of a patient'snose and mouth, chosen from vicinities including, but not limited to,between an upper lip and a base of the patient's nose, to allow for bothnose breathing and mouth breathing of said turbulent plume of gases andto aid in clearance of exhaled breath away from the patient so as todiminish rebreathing of exhaled air.
 10. A medical gas delivery systemthat includes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forth inclaim 9, whereby said at least one gas outlet nozzle (240) ispositionable to adjust the delivery of said medical gas.
 11. A medicalgas delivery system that includes at least one dampening disperser (220)as set forth in claim 9, whereby said at least two baffles (242) arepositionable to adjust the delivery of said medical gas.
 12. A medicalgas delivery system that includes at least one dampening disperser (220)as set forth in claim 9, whereby said at least two baffles (242) arereplaceable with different baffles, baffles having different size and orshape, to adjust the delivery of said medical gas.
 13. A medical gasdelivery system that includes at least one dampening disperser (220) asset forth in claim 9, whereby said at least a partial face mask housing(244) includes at least one ambient air vent (250) chosen from a classof ambient air vents including, but not limited to, air vents that arenon-adjustable, air vents that are adjustable, air vents that arefilterable, air vents that are closeable, and air vents that areresealable.
 14. A medical gas delivery system that includes at least onedampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim 9, whereby said at leasta partial face mask housing (244) also includes an aerosol port (260),for attachment to a nebulizer (262), so that the patient receives anebulizer treatment while wearing said at least a partial face maskhousing (244).
 15. A medical gas delivery system that includes at leastone dampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim 9, whereby said atleast a partial face mask housing (244) also includes a gas samplingtubing line (264), with inlet positioned in the space (228) in thevicinity of the patient's nose and mouth and outlet connected to a gasmonitoring device/sensor, to monitor gas composition in the space (228)and to monitor exhaled gases, which includes determination of a carbondioxide concentration and ratio of carbon dioxide to oxygen.
 16. Amedical gas delivery system that includes at least one dampeningdisperser (220) as set forth in claim 9, whereby said at least a partialface mask housing (244) also includes a removable support adapter thatcan align the dampening disperser with an endotracheal tube for deliveryof medical gas to an intubated patient.
 17. A medical gas deliverysystem that includes at least one dampening disperser (220); configuredto be supported in a position in front of a patient's face, saiddampening disperser (220) including at least some concave walls (226) ofan at least a partial face mask housing (244), and at least one gasmulti-outlet nozzle (272), said at least one gas multi-outlet nozzle(272) including an at least a partial tubular structure (274) with aplurality of small/micro gas outlets (276) that release medical gas,said at least one gas multi-outlet nozzle (272) serving to disperse andreduce a velocity of a gas flow (230) coming from at least one medicalgas supply tubing (30) attached to an at least one medical gas sourceoutlet (22 or 82), while generating at least one plume of gases that mixwith air in a space (228) in a vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth,chosen from vicinities including, but not limited to, between an upperlip and a base of the patient's nose, to allow for both nose breathingand mouth breathing of said at least one plume of gases and to aid inclearance of exhaled breath away from the patient so as to diminishrebreathing of exhaled air.
 18. A medical gas delivery system thatincludes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim17, whereby said at least a partial tubular structure (274) is straight.19. A medical gas delivery system that includes at least one dampeningdisperser (220) as set forth in claim 17, whereby said at least apartial tubular structure (274) includes at least some curved portions.20. A medical gas delivery system that includes at least one dampeningdisperser (220) as set forth in claim 17, whereby said at least one gasmulti-outlet nozzle (272) including an at least a partial tubularstructure (274) with a plurality of small/micro gas outlets (276)releases at least some medical gas in at least partially counterposingdirections.
 21. A medical gas delivery system that includes at least onedampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim 17, whereby said atleast a partial face mask housing (244) includes at least one ambientair vent (250) chosen from a class of ambient air vents including, butnot limited to, air vents that are non-adjustable, air vents that areadjustable, air vents that are filterable, air vents that are closeable,and air vents that are resealable.
 22. A medical gas delivery systemthat includes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forth inclaim 17, whereby said at least a partial face mask housing (244) alsoincludes an aerosol port (260), for attachment to a nebulizer (262), sothat the patient receives a nebulizer treatment while wearing said atleast a partial face mask housing (244).
 23. A medical gas deliverysystem that includes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forthin claim 17, whereby said at least a partial face mask housing (244)also includes a gas sampling tubing line (264), with inlet positioned inthe space (228) in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth andoutlet connected to a gas monitoring device/sensor, to monitor gascomposition in the space (228) and to monitor exhaled gases, whichincludes determination of a carbon dioxide concentration and ratio ofcarbon dioxide to oxygen.
 24. A medical gas delivery system thatincludes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim17, whereby said at least a partial face mask housing (244) alsoincludes a removable support adapter that can align the dampeningdisperser with an endotracheal tube for delivery of medical gas to anintubated patient.
 25. A medical gas delivery system that includes atleast one dampening disperser (220); configured to be supported in aposition in front of a patient's face, said dampening disperser (220)including at least some concave walls (226) of an at least a partialface mask housing (244), said at least some concave walls (226) of saidat least a partial face mask housing (244) including channels/space(282) within said at least some concave walls (226) and adapted for amedical gas to pass, said at least some concave walls (226) of said atleast a partial face mask housing (244) further including a plurality ofsmall/micro gas outlets (284) on at least some portion of a surface thatrelease said medical gas, said at least some concave walls (226) of saidat least a partial face mask housing (244) including said channels/space(282) within and including said plurality of small/micro gas outlets(284) serving to disperse, refocus and reduce a velocity of a gas flow(230) coming from at least one medical gas supply tubing (30) attachedto an at least one medical gas source outlet (22 or 82), whilegenerating at least one plume of gases that mix with air in a space(228) in a vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, chosen fromvicinities including, but not limited to, between an upper lip and abase of the patient's nose, to allow for both nose breathing and mouthbreathing of said at least one plume of gases and to aid in clearance ofexhaled breath away from the patient so as to diminish rebreathing ofexhaled air.
 26. A medical gas delivery system that includes at leastone dampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim 25, whereby said atleast some concave walls (226) forms an at least a partial prism-likeshape.
 27. A medical gas delivery system that includes at least onedampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim 25, whereby said atleast some concave walls (226) of said at least a partial face maskhousing (244) with a plurality of small/micro gas outlets (284) releaseat least some medical gas in at least partially counterposingdirections.
 28. A medical gas delivery system that includes at least onedampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim 25, whereby said atleast a partial face mask housing (244) includes at least one ambientair vent (250) chosen from a class of ambient air vents including, butnot limited to, air vents that are non-adjustable, air vents that areadjustable, air vents that are filterable, air vents that are closeable,and air vents that are resealable.
 29. A medical gas delivery systemthat includes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forth inclaim 25, whereby said at least a partial face mask housing (244) alsoincludes an aerosol port (260), for attachment to a nebulizer (262), sothat the patient receives a nebulizer treatment while wearing said atleast a partial face mask housing (244).
 30. A medical gas deliverysystem that includes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forthin claim 25, whereby said at least a partial face mask housing (244)also includes a gas sampling tubing line (264), with inlet positioned inthe space (228) in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth andoutlet connected to a gas monitoring device/sensor, to monitor gascomposition in the space (228) and to monitor exhaled gases, whichincludes determination of a carbon dioxide concentration and ratio ofcarbon dioxide to oxygen.
 31. A medical gas delivery system thatincludes at least one dampening disperser (220) as set forth in claim25, whereby said at least a partial face mask housing (244) alsoincludes a removable support adapter that can align the dampeningdisperser with an endotracheal tube for delivery of medical gas to anintubated patient.